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WOA urges Olympians to Speak Up on Integrity

7 | 11 | 2018

World Olympians Association has urged Olympians around the world to join the fight for greater integrity in global sport, with the ultimate aim of preserving the Olympic values of friendship, excellence and respect.

In recent times, integrity, clean sport, good governance, discrimination, due process, and harassment and abuse have become key topics.

Olympians' position of independence, especially when their sports career is finished, can be of great help and even a resource for those active athletes/Olympians who feel it is too difficult to reveal any form of abuse.

In an open letter to Olympians, across all disciplines and nationalities, WOA President Joël Bouzou said that Olympians have the unique opportunity to shed light on these issues and safeguard the integrity of sport and protect future Olympians by engaging with the following critical initiatives.

IOC INTEGRITY AND COMPLIANCE HOTLINE

Olympians, athletes, coaches, referees and the public can call the IOC’s Integrity and Compliance Hotline to report any potential violation of the IOC Code of Ethics (including cheating it all its forms and abuse of athletes or positions of power). Reports can be made anonymously, and all information received is dealt with confidentially.

The World Anti-Doping Association’s Speak Up service encourages Olympians and all members of the public to report any anti-doping rule violation, any alleged World Anti-Doping Code non-compliance violation, or any act or omission that could undermine the fight against doping. A report can be filed by anyone confidentially, securely and anonymously.

“We must fiercely protect the integrity and fairness of sport and have the courage and conviction required to raise concerns about cheating and abuse, no matter what form it takes. As Olympians we all have a responsibility and an obligation to embody the values of Olympism – respect, fairness, and friendship – and must feel empowered to speak up against any integrity offences.

“The Olympic Movement needs its Olympians to help protect the values which we all hold dear. I urge anyone, with any knowledge, to speak up and help create a fairer world sport for all.”